The newly formed Meru Municipality Board has officially taken over the management of Meru town with a promises of turning it into a clean, fair and orderly destination.
They have also assured residents of better sewer systems, improved water access, and completion of all stalled infrastructure projects.
There was smooth leadership transition at the Meru Municipality offices when the outgoing board chair Bishop Edward Buria officially handed over instruments of power to the incoming team led by Joshua Mung’ania.
The transition, was marked by calls for continued development and good governance.
Bishop Buria, who served as the outgoing chairperson, praised the former board members for their commitment during their term.
He said their team had made significant progress in improving Meru town, and expressed hope that the new board would build on what they had started.
In his speech , Buria listed some of the achievements made under their leadership including the tarmacking of the Meru Main Stage, installation of cabro paving at Makutano Stage, the Tuskys Stage, and outside Greenwood Mall, beautification efforts along the Kanyuru River, and the construction of the Makutano market and stalls.
He urged the Incoming team to maintain the same spirit of proper resource use and integrity.
Citing Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia, Buria reminded the new board of the responsibility they carry urging them to focus on transformation and accountability.
“We have given you a Municipality; deliver a City,” said Buria.
Taking over the mantle, Joshua Mung’ania didn’t hesitate to outline his vision.
He made it clear that he and his team had come to serve the people of Meru with fairness and accountability.
“We are coming to work for you and listen to what the ground is saying. The ground that we are coming to listen to is that of Meru people and the business people of Meru,” he said.
Nonetheless, Mung’ania described Meru as one of the richest municipalities in Kenya, but noted that greed and disorder had slowed progress and denied residents the full benefits of available resources.
“Our municipality has enough wealth for everyone of us. The Meru municipal is one of the richest municipals in Kenya but the problem we have is greed with some people wanting to take more than others. We have come to say that we want order in Meru so that people can run their businesses and we can help get wealth,” said Mung’ania
In addition, Mung’ania said the board would begin by prioritizing cleanliness and discipline across the town.
He pointed out that the success of Meru’s transformation into a city would depend heavily on how seriously residents, especially workers and motorists, took responsibility for their environment.
“We will start by making Meru clean. We want all the dirt removed. The cleanliness of a city begins with those working in it. So let every worker ensure that they dispose waste to where it belongs,” said Mung’ania.
He assured municipal workers that the new board would protect their welfare and ensure they are motivated.
He also emphasized the importance of involving the youth and adhering to public participation in decision making.
He revealed that Governor Mutuma had pledged full financial support to help the board implement projects that will move Meru toward city status including better sewer systems, improved water access, and completion of stalled infrastructure projects.
“Our Governor has said that he will give us enough money to work so that we have a dust free town and municipality. We shall also have water and good sewerage systems. Our work will be to follow up on government project to ensure they are implemented fully so that they don’t stall,” said Mung’ania.
